"Borthwick gets his man" - 5 Springboks who can swap nations for 2027 Rugby World Cup

Here are three Springbok-eligible players who look set to switch allegiances.

Bristol Bears star Benhard Janse van Rensburg is edging closer to England qualification after previously representing South Africa at U20 level.

The powerful centre, who represented South Africa U20s in 2016, has never been capped at senior level by the Springboks and has now severed ties with the national setup. Subject to World Rugby approval, he is set to qualify for England through residency, positioning him as a key figure in Steve Borthwick’s long-term plans ahead of 2027.

Janse van Rensburg’s U20 involvement was initially considered a ‘capture team’ appearance, meaning players could only switch international allegiance via a birthright transfer. This rule, applied between 2016 and 2018, has previously affected players such as Hanro Liebenberg and Jacques Vermuelen, the latter publicly criticizing the policy for denying him the chance to pursue England selection.

However, The Telegraph reports that the RFU successfully appealed Janse van Rensburg’s South Africa tie with World Rugby. The governing body has granted him the opportunity to change allegiances under “exceptional circumstances,” given he played just 20 minutes in the third-place play-off at the U20 Championship.

With his combination of physicality and versatility, he is expected to make an immediate impact in the England setup.

Another South African-born back in line for England eligibility is Harlequins flyer Tyrone Green.

A standout for South Africa at U20 level, Green will become eligible for England in 2026. However, the electric full-back has previously played down any rush to make a decision about his international future.

Still, with his pace, footwork and growing consistency in the Premiership, England could see him as an ideal attacking option heading into the next World Cup cycle.

Leicester Tigers flanker Hanro Liebenberg could emerge as a high-profile eligibility switch — potentially in favour of England.

Liebenberg captained South Africa U20 in 2015, meaning he is currently tied to the Springboks under World Rugby’s capture rules. However, after spending more than five years in England, the 30-year-old has been linked with a potential move to the England squad if World Rugby revises its interpretation of historical U20 captures.

England’s need for dynamic, mobile back-row forwards could make Liebenberg an enticing option, with his leadership and physicality offering a boost ahead of Australia 2027.

Benetton full-back Rhyno Smith could yet become another high-profile switch — this time in favour of Italy.

Smith previously featured for South Africa Sevens, meaning he would require special dispensation to change allegiance. However, after spending five years in Italy, the 26-year-old has openly admitted he would welcome the opportunity to pull on the Azzurri jersey.

With Italy continuing to target experienced, foreign-based talent, Smith’s versatility and attacking threat could make him a valuable addition ahead of Australia 2027.

Sale Sharks flanker Jacques Vermeulen could also be in contention for an England switch — though current rules block a straightforward move.

Vermeulen (born 8 February 1995, making him 31 years old) represented South Africa U20 in 2014–15, which officially captured him for the Springboks. Despite completing five years’ residency in England, the 31‑year‑old remains ineligible under current regulations. Nevertheless, if World Rugby revises the capture rules, Vermeulen’s experience, work rate, and breakdown skills could make him a valuable addition to England’s back‑row options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.